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Popular Burleigh Head Oceanview track closed for $1 million upgrade

Work has kicked off today (Wednesday 5 April) on a $1 million project to revitalise the popular Oceanview walking track at Burleigh Head National Park on the Gold Coast.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Principal Ranger Gold Coast and Hinterland, John Carter, said the track would be widened and the walking surface improved.

“Over coming months, a construction team will demolish the entire 1.2 kilometre walking trail and replace it with a fibre-reinforced concrete walkway – coloured to blend harmoniously into the surroundings,” Mr Carter said.

“The track will be widened from 1.2 metres to 1.5 metres where practical, to improve accessibility and wheelchair assisted access and to provide more opportunities for passing and viewing. New seating and fencing will also be installed.

“The many surfers who use the track to get to their favourite spots will welcome a widening of the northern entry’s initial 150 metres to 1.8 metres wide. That should ease foot traffic in that area.

“The upgrade will improve track stability and reduce maintenance costs over the long term.

“The new-look wider track, due for completion in June/July this year, will improve visitor safety and carrying capacity ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“The Oceanview track is a real local treasure and attracts around 650,000 visitors each year. We expect that figure to jump next year when the Gold Coast hosts the Commonwealth Games.

“The Gold Coast is renowned for its seascape. Burleigh Head National Park offers spectacular views over the ocean – including views of passing humpbacks during their annual migration – and is one of the most popular areas managed by QPWS.

“Most of the Oceanview track will be closed for 13 weeks from today, 5 April, and we urge people not to enter the closed areas, for their own safety.

“Visitors will still be able to access the national park via the Rainforest Circuit on the headland plateau while works are underway. QPWS will install signage showing alternative walking routes at all park entry points.

“It is important locals and visitors heed all QPWS and contractor warnings in Burleigh Head National Park during the construction period.

“Don’t take any risks, obey the closures and stay on the designated walking tracks. Anyone found breaching the closures risks a $480 fine.”

Mr Carter said QPWS would continue to manage public safety risks in the park which could be triggered by extreme weather and wildfire.

”The track has been closed on several occasions over the last three years due to significant boulder falls and wildfire,” he said.

“While the upgrade works will improve track stability, it won’t stop the fact that heavy rain, extreme low temperatures, high winds and wildfires can dislodge boulders above the track.

“Visitors will need to continue observing safety signage and barriers even after the Oceanview track reopens.”